Every artist dreams of writing a song that connects with people. Not all of them expect to wake up one day and find it being sung back to them across the world.

That’s the reality Janine Berdin finds herself in today.

As clips of her music circulate across social media, particularly her performance of “What if I miss you for the rest of my life?”, the singer-songwriter is drawing reactions from creators and influencers, including globally recognized artists Demi Lovato, Lauren Jauregui, SZA, and Doechii. For an OPM artist, it’s the kind of breakthrough many spend years chasing.

Yet despite the attention, Berdin remains genuinely surprised.

“I’m super, super grateful,” she told Manila Bulletin Entertainment. “Especially because it’s my song, I wrote it, it’s OPM, and it’s mine. Then suddenly it’s everywhere.”

Like many artists, Berdin once imagined others covering her songs. The reality, however, has felt far stranger than the fantasy.

“Hala, bakit alam nila ’yong song ko?” she recalled thinking after seeing influencers she follows post videos using her music.

Even now, she admits it hasn’t fully sunk in. “It just doesn’t feel real,” she said. “Dati, sinasabi ko, ‘song ko rin ’yong kakantahin at iko-cover nila.’ Tapos ngayon, parang hindi totoo.”

Online conversation around the track has also taken on a life of its own, particularly comments about its demanding vocal runs. Many listeners have joked about surviving karaoke attempts, especially when the higher notes hit.

Berdin finds the reactions amusing, especially since her vocal ability didn’t come easily.

A turning point came in 2019, when an intense performance schedule led to vocal nodules. What could have been a setback instead forced her to relearn technique and take vocal health seriously.

“Hindi ako marunong kumanta at all. I really had to learn how to sing properly,” she explained.

The process not only protected her voice but expanded her range. “Parang tumaas yung range ko. Yun talaga yung trick ko. I had to learn how to sing right.”

Beyond the viral attention, discussion has also centered on her latest album, “Lab Songs Ng Mga Tanga,” which has been praised for its rawness, personality, and refusal to filter emotion.

For Berdin, the response carries deeper meaning. It reflects qualities she once felt pressured to suppress.

Growing up, she said she was often told girls should be softer and quieter. “My mom would tell me not to be so loud,” she recalled. The advice shaped how she saw herself for years.

That’s why the reception now feels especially meaningful. The version of herself audiences embrace isn’t polished or restrained—it’s unfiltered.

“I’m being myself. I’m being loud, I’m shouting and jumping around, and people connect with it.”

Gratitude surfaced again later in the conversation when talk turned to critical recognition.

“That particular copy of your newspaper is in my room. It’s naka-frame,” she said, laughing.

“Thank you so much. I’m so proud of my album being there.” (Ian Ureta)